Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An exquisite Japanese lacquer incense container (kogo) executed in the celebrated Kodai-ji maki-e style. It features a top medallion portraying a rural landscape with a thatched cottage under a weeping willow, flanked by a shippo geometric rim and internal paulownia (kiri) and chrysanthemum (kiku) gold lacquer motifs.
Story
Kodai-ji maki-e originated during the Momoyama and early Edo periods, created specifically for the Kodai-ji temple built in 1606 by Nene in memory of her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This distinct style revolutionized Japanese lacquer art by combining dramatic flat gold sprinkler powder with bold, painterly line work.
Maker / Origin
Crafted by Kyoto lacquer artisans specializing in tea ceremony utensils (chado). Kodai-ji maki-e artisans dispensed with tedious polish-down techniques in favor of flat hiramaki-e and needle engraving (harigaki), allowing for rapid, expressive artistic execution.
Condition & Value
Very good historical condition overall with light surface wear, micro-abrasions, and minor lacquer loss along the rim edges. Such subtle age-appropriate patina is expected for historic tea ceremony lacquerware.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.